Pennsylvania Pittsburgh Mission Memories: MLC March 2017

Elder Milan Kunz the Area Seventy for the Pennsylvania Pittsburgh mission attended our MLC this month. Here is a summary of some of the principles he taught us.

-Elder M. Russell Ballard received revelation in a council meeting of the area authorities that we should focus on reactivation (rescue) of less active Melchizedek Priesthood holders.

When the Spirit is there in a teaching situation it is the perfect time to INVITE and give promised blessings.

There is no greater gift on the earth than the Holy Ghost. We are divine children of Heavenly Father. Live up to your potential! Your potential is more than you think it is and you can help more people than you think possible. Ask, "Who can I bless along the way!" Live your life inviting and helping others on the path to faith in Jesus Christ.

Be anxiously engaged and share your excitement with the ward. Light a fire of excitement about this great work in which we are engaged. Live your purpose.

Your mission is the microcosm for your entire life. We can learn the miracle of putting God absolutely first in our lives. Remember your purpose TO INVITE AND HELP OTHERS COME UNTO CHRIST and make it a daily theme for your life.

Elders Walker, Gneiting, Madsen and Montgomery

Sisters Kwasney, Jacobsen, Elders Goeckeritz and McGee

Elders Ross, Syndergaard, Andrews and Haroldsen

Sisters Smith, Palmer, Fenton and Thorson

Elders Cooper, Swisher, Herzog and Bryner

Sister Roden

Elder Kunz, President and Sister Johnson, Elders White and Parke

Sister Johnson led a discussion on counseling together to solve problems.

D&C 88:122

"Appoint among yourselves a teacher, and let not all be spokesman at once; but let one speak at a time and let all listen unto his sayings, that when all have spoken that all may be edified of all, and that every man may have an equal privilege."

What are the five elements in that scripture which are necessary to conduct an effective council?

5 Elements of An Effective Council

1. Appoint a leader

2. All share ideas, feelings and insights

3. All listen

4. All should be edified (content edifying)

5. All have equal privilege (equal voice and opportunity to share)

The MLC divided up into small groups and counseled to share ideas on finding and other concerns brought to the council by Zone Leaders and Sister Training Leaders.

Elder White and Elder Parke trained on Extending Committment Invitations

President Johnson had MLC members come prepared to share:

How has the resurrection changed you? (Here is a summary of some of the things they shared)

When my brother passed away a few years ago I came to know the power of the gift.

It gives me so much hope - and knowing that temporal trials are temporary.

Takes away worry and brings hope.

Lost a family member to a crippling disease and I have faith he will be whole and I want to be the best I can be and be perfected with him.

Brightness of hope! Triumph of the gospel! The good news!

My father was a convert and as I have done family history and as I have felt the Spirit of Elijah I am excited to help my family members who have gone.

It is an answer to prayer for me after the tragic accident in our mission I questioned deeply whether the plan is real. Because of the assurance of the Spirit I have peace and hope.

Assurance of knowing we can "get there".

Everything we do reflects our faith in Christ.

As we leave our mortal body behind, we will realize how much we were able to learn having that body and what a joyous reunion that Spirit will have when we are resurrected whole and perfect!

Gives me motivation to keep my covenants and have the perspective we need to return home to Heavenly Father.

Crowning reward of our journey is a celestial body! (There are bodies celestial, terrestrial, telestial). Light comes from Jesus Christ. Total faith in Christ increases light!

Elder Parke